Name: From-scratch Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Prep time: 1 min
Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients: 1/3 cup fresh dill or 1 1/2 tablespoon dried; 1/4 cup fresh chives or 1 tablespoon dried; 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried; 2 cloves of garlic; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/3 cup buttermilk; 1 1/3 cup sour cream Greek yogurt or mayo can be substituted

Ranch isn’t a dressing. It’s a staple. This from-scratch buttermilk version brings that same nostalgic, down-home flavor we all grew up on, but fresher and creamier. Once you try it, you’ll never reach for the bottle again.

From-scratch Buttermilk Ranch Dressing in a jar

We've made and eaten more versions of ranch than we can count. Some were too bland, some too herby, and plenty that missed the mark. This is the recipe that was better than them all. It’s the one we made over and over again until it was exactly right.

When you’re making ranch from scratch, it needs to be worth it and this one always is. It’s hits, creamy, and tangy all the right notes without being overpowering. No shortcuts, no weird ingredients, a from-scratch dressing that actually tastes like the ranch we all grew up loving, only better.

It’s been tested on everything from salads to chicken tenders and it never sticks around long!

Why From-scratch Buttermilk Ranch Dressing stays in the rotation

There are a few differences between regular ranch and buttermilk ranch. Those being ingredients, taste, and texture.

When it comes to taste, buttermilk ranch will have a stronger, tangier flavor than typical ranch thanks to the buttermilk. You can think of the taste being similar to that of plain yogurt.

The texture can also be different when you’re comparing buttermilk ranch to regular ranch. Buttermilk ranch is thinner and smoother, while regular ranch since it’s made primarily of mayo/sour cream, is thicker and isn’t as smooth.

As far as ingredients go, the biggest difference between the two is the type of milk. Regular ranch uses a combination of regular milk with sour cream and mayonnaise. Buttermilk ranch foregoes the sour cream and relies on a base of buttermilk and sour cream OR mayonnaise, not both.

From-scratch Buttermilk Dressing Ingredients

Dill
Chives
Parsley
Garlic
Cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Buttermilk
Sour cream (Greek yogurt or mayo can be substituted)

ingredients for From-scratch Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

How to cook From-scratch Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Detailed instructions and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Add all of your ingredients to a blender and pulse until mixed through.
Enjoy with your favorite meal!

Buttermilk Dressing Tips

The fresh herbs in this recipe will make the ranch turn green. If you don’t want that, you can chop your herbs separately and mix it all by hand.
Depending on your preference and what you have on hand, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and mayo all work great in this recipe. Try each one to see which you like best!
It is completely fine to use dried herbs. In fact, you may prefer the taste with dried herbs.

How to keep From-scratch Buttermilk Dressing

Store your ranch dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. Because it’s made with fresh ingredients like buttermilk and mayonnaise, it needs to stay cold and should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods. When stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to one week.

Be sure to give it a good stir or shake before using, as some separation is natural.

How long does Buttermilk Ranch last?

From-scratch buttermilk ranch dressing will last up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since it’s made without preservatives, it won’t last as long as the store-bought kind. If you notice any sour smell, change in texture, or discoloration, it’s best to toss it and make a fresh batch.